Persona
/pərˈsoʊnə/noun
A character or social role someone presents to others; in psychology, the public face of the self.
Did you know?The Latin word persona likely referred to a theatrical mask, and many scholars connect it to the idea of a mask that lets a voice sound through, turning identity into an audible performance.
Etymological Timeline
Etruscan / Pre-Latin
Etr
phersu
“A masked figure or performer in ritual or theatrical scenes”
Classical Latin
Latin
persona
“A mask worn by an actor; a role or character in a play”
Late Latin
Latin
persona
“A legal or social person; an individual recognized by status or role”
Old French
OFr
personne
“A human being; a person”
Middle English
ME
person
“A human individual”
Modern English
English
persona
“The aspect of someone’s character presented to the world”
Explore more surprising origins